(Orlando, FL, 7/28/17) - The Council on American-Islamic Relations - Florida (CAIR-Florida), the state's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization, today published an open letter denouncing the racist comments made from Florida mayoral candidate Paul Congemi.

Hate speech is divisive and harmful to all Florida residents and should condemned immediately. We share this letter to oppose the rhetoric stated by Mr. Congemi and urge the community to stand united against racism and discrimination.

A word from our Orlando Regional Director Rasha Mubarak:

Dear Friends,

We at CAIR-Florida are baffled by the discrimination and downright bigotry displayed by St. Petersburg's mayoral candidate, Paul Congemi, during a forum this past Tuesday, July 18, 2017.

This kind of hateful and divisive speech is extremely harmful to all of Florida's diverse cultures and communities at a time when we need to rally together to enliven and empower one another.

We must stand up to people like Mr. Congemi and let them know that there is no room for this kind of hate anywhere, much less in areas that are being discriminated against.

An elected official is supposed to be the voice of the people but how can we trust a voice if that voice demeans and dishonors its own constituents?

Mr. Congemi used his voice to inspire hate and fear. The citizens of St. Petersburg need to use their voice to support candidates who inspire hope, respect, and love and who will impart messages of amity and unity and create opportunities for all, not just for those who agree with a candidate's platform.

It's time to stop accepting hatred and allowing the spread of ignorance in our political systems! We must use our voices to fight back and encourage the election of candidates who will fight for all of us.

Sincerely,

Rasha Mubarak

Central Florida Regional Director

CAIR-Florida is the state's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties of all people, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.